Daily Archives: July 15, 2019

Missy Elliot is the cover star of Marie Claire US’s August issue (on newsstands July 23rd).

Elliot is a pioneer of the music industry, having redefined hip-hop vocally and physically, and lifting up other artists along the way adding to her superstar legacy. Here for MC, Elliot opens up about her long-awaited seventh studio album, breaking barriers for women of color, surviving the music industry, and much more.

On how she wants her new music to be received: “There’s no one like Missy. No one.

On breaking barriers for women of color: “I am a champion for my brown, dark women. I want them to be seen. Because we are beautiful. If we knew how special we were, we would be unstoppable.”

On inspiring the next generation of music artists: “I do want to make the generation behind feel like, don’t be afraid, because we are in a time where so many people can be artists. … Now you can just post up, and if it gets to the right person, then it’s just viral. I want to be able to encourage those who don’t go viral… A lot of people that have 452 or 100 followers may be talented. I want them to not feel like they have to do what everybody else is doing to gain that attention. Just be you. It’s going to catch hold somewhere.”

On gender equality in the music industry: “We need more women out there, singing and just for being. Just for balance. Just a great balance.”

On taking success in stride: “I was just going, going, going. It wasn’t resonating what was happening. I was in the car with Michelle Obama [for ‘Carpool Karaoke’ in 2016], and they [my friends] called me like, ‘Girl, we got to celebrate that’s huge!’ And I’m like, ‘I’m watching a movie on Netflix.’

On surviving the music industry: “One thing I always say, you will always get respect, but you won’t be hot forever…You have to mentally be prepared for those ups and downs.”. (source)